14
‘Whom Odin chooseth
ends not untimely,
though ways of men
he walk briefly.
In wide Valholl
he may wait feasting –
it is to ages after
that Odin looks.’
15
‘The hope of Odin
we heed little!
Redgolden rings
I will rule alone.
Though Gods grudge it
gold is healing.
From Hreidmar’s house
haste now swiftly!’
*
II
SIGNY
Rerir was the son of the son of Odin. After him reigned Volsung, to whom Odin gave a Valkyrie as wife. Sigmund and Signy were their eldest children and twins. They had nine sons beside. Sigmund was of all men the most valiant, unless his sons be named. Signy was fair and wise and foresighted. She was given unwilling and against her foreboding to Siggeir king of Gautland, for the strengthening of the power of King Volsung. Here is told how hate grew between Gauts and Volsungs, and of the slaying of Volsung. The ten brothers of Signy were set in fetters in the forest and all perished save Sigmund. Long time he dwelt in a cave in the guise of a dwarvish smith. By Signy was a fierce vengeance devised and fulfilled.
1
On the coasts of the North
was king renowned
Rerir sea-roving,
the raven’s lord.
Shield-hung his ships,
unsheathed his sword;
his sire of old
was son of Odin.
2
Him Volsung followed
valiant-hearted,
child of longing,
chosen of Odin.
Valkyrie fair
did Volsung wed,
Odin’s maiden,
Odin’s chosen.
3
Sigmund and Signy,
a son and daughter,
she bare at a birth
in his builded halls.
High rose their roofs,
huge their timbers,
and wide the walls
of wood carven.
4
A tree there towered
tall and branching,
that house upholding,
the hall’s wonder;
its leaves their hangings,
its limbs rafters,
its mighty bole
in the midst standing.
*
5
‘What sails be these
in the seas shining?
What ships be those
with shields golden?’
‘Gautland’s banners
gilt and silver
Gautland’s greeting
grievous bearing.’
6
‘Wherefore grievous?
Are guests hateful?
Gautland’s master
glorious reigneth.’
